Lichenoid disorders

Author: Hon A/Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, 2011.

What are lichenoid disorders?

Lichen is found growing on trees and elsewhere in the garden or forest. It is a symbiotic fungus/alga characterised by flat-topped organisms. Lichenoid skin disorders got their name from their appearance – also flat topped and often somewhat scaly. They are characterised by a particular type of inflammation found on histology.

Classification of lichenoid disorders
Lichen amyloidosis
Lichenoid drug eruption
Lichenoid keratosis
Lichen nitidus
Lichen planus
Lichen sclerosus
Lichen simplex
Lichen striatus
Oral lichen planus
Pityriasis lichenoides
Erosive lichen planus
Annular lichenoid dermatitis of youth
Lichen scrofulosorum
Lichenoid amalgam reaction
Oral lichenoid drug eruption
Lichen myxoedematosus
Lichen spinulosus